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Reports 2008

 

South Kerry Minor Championship Final 2008 (New Year's Day 2009)

Waterville 3-04 ................ St Marys 1-12

Waterville club lost its second South Kerry Final over the Christmas period. The minors went down to a physically superior St Mary’s side on New Year’s Day.
Ground conditions were ideal and both teams contributed to an entertaining contest.
Waterville, playing into the town goal, had the better of the early exchanges and took an early lead. Stephen O’Dwyer took a pass from cousin Barry in the second minute and opened the scoring. It was Stephen again a minute later after a pass from Micheál Cronin and then Seán Cathal O’Sullivan kicked a pinpoint free from forty metres and sent his side into a three point lead.
Marys opened their account through the athletic Aidan Walsh with a well taken free from the right side of the field in the eight minute and went on to miss a number of good opportunities in the following minutes. But then the tide turned and the Cahersiveen boys took over and they scored 1-03 without reply. Waterville heads didn’t drop however and within three minutes were back in the game through a Stephen O’Dwyer penalty after a foul on himself. Cahersiveen went on to score two further points and were proving a handful for the boys in red. The half time score was Waterville 1-03 ….. St Marys 1-06.

Cahersiveen opened the second half scoring through the finely tuned boot of Daniel Daly and this was followed by two more quick points. The margin was now six points but a great ball from Barry O’Dwyer in the right corner found Stephen and the ball again hit the back of the Cahersiveen net. (Margin three points) Shane Horgan stretched Marys lead again in the tenth minute but again Waterville reduced the deficit to three points with a Stephen O’Dwyer free.
Waterville were now playing much better with Greg Gibson fielding some wonderful ball around the midfield area. They had many attacks but failed to penetrate until the twenty second minute when defender Niall Fitzgerald made a surging run through the middle and finished to the net. The sides were now level and Waterville were in with a great chance but some poor finishing cost them dearly. Marys on the other hand were awarded two late frees within a minute of each other and went on to win by these two scores.


Waterville boys were disappointed and on another day might have been victorious. We congratulate Marys. They are a fine team and were marginally better on this occasion.
Team: Jason O’Sullivan, Dean Murphy, Niall Fitzgerald (1-00), Oran Clifford, Stephen Donnelly, Greg Gibson, Sheera O’Connell, Seán C O’Connell(0-01 free), Stephen O’Dwyer ( 2-03, 1 penalty, I free) , Barry O’Dwyer, Micheál Cronin
Subs Used: Eoin O’Sullivan, Cathal Keating
Squad Members: Conor Daly, Micheál Curran,

 

South Kerry Senior Championship Final 2008 (St Stephen's Day 2008)

Waterville 1-09 ............................ St. Michaels / Foilmore 1-10

The South Kerry Final is over for another year and the supporters who witnessed this sporting spectacle were not disappointed with the standard of play or the level of sportsmanship. Unfortunately, Waterville came out on the wrong side of the result by the slimmest of margins and might have had a draw at the minimum but for some unlucky finishing in the final moments.
St. Michaels / Foilmore were first off the mark within two minutes when Adrian O’Connell tapped over from close range. Almost immediately Alan O’Dwyer collected a ball in the back line and found Donncha Fenton who in turn picked out Alan O’Shea. Alan coolly slotted his shot between the posts and we still hadn’t four minutes played. Team captain Denis O’Dwyer had Waterville in front in the seventh minute with a wonderful line ball from the town sideline.
We had to wait five minutes for the next score. Ronan O’Connor popped over a free and three more St. Michaels / Foilmore points followed soon after. In the twentieth minute Haulie Courtney reduced the margin through a free after a St. Michaels / Foilmore player was penalised for over carrying and Denis O’Dwyer followed up with another a minute later from well out on the left wing. Ronan O’Connor added another point for St. Michaels / Foilmore and then Waterville had a lucky let off when a long high ball into the goal area was punched just wide. Haulie Courtney finished the first half scoring with a terrific left footed kick after taking a pass from Keith Moran. The thirty minutes were up but there was still more drama to come, when Waterville keeper Ciaran Dennehy pulled off a great save in the thirty third minute. At half time Waterville were in arrears by two points on the shoreline of 0-05 to 0-07.
Ronan O’Connor opened the second half account when converting a forty five. Then in the eight minute a Waterville attack faltered and St. Michaels / Foilmore turned defence into attack and it was Ronan O’Connor again who finished the ball to the net. This was a devastating blow for Waterville and it was further compounded when Kieran Granfield kicked over to send his side into a seven point lead. There was still twenty minutes left to play and it looked like St. Michaels / Foilmore might romp home with ease.
Waterville were not about to give up without a fight and two minutes later Haulie Courtney reduced the deficit after a foul on midfielder Seamus O’Sullivan. In the fourteenth minute Donncha Fenton fired over from a tight angle on the right side after a pass from Stephen O’Dwyer. Waterville began to pile on the pressure and it paid off when a long free in was finished to the net by Keith Moran. The margin was now two points with a quarter of an hour left but Ronan O’Connor again pushed his side three points in front with nine minutes left in the game.
The remaining minutes were hectic with all the attacking being done by Waterville. It was the experienced Denis O’Dwyer who pulled a point back with less than two minutes left and Stephen O’Dwyer converted a free after a foul on cousin Barry. The gap was now just a point but the clock kept ticking and Waterville lost out by the single point.
This was heart breaking for our young team and with a little bit of luck they might at least have had draw. Every squad member gave total commitment to achieve success and they can be truly proud of their efforts. They played football with skill, passion and sportsmanship and are an example to the younger generation of players. Many of our team are very young but watch this space, our young boys are growing up.
Spare a thought too for the mentors who have devoted their time and energy to this team all through the year ..... John Galvin, Mike Keating, Dan Fitzpatrick, Mike O'Dwyer, Eugene Dennehy. Their efforts are appreciated by all club members. Thanks too to our sponsors, Villa Maria, Denis Moriarty and Butler Arms.
Team: Ciaran Dennehy, Kevin O’Dwyer, Daniel O’Dwyer, Niall Fitzgerald, Greg Gibson, Haulie Courtney(0-03, 2 frees), Alan O’Dwyer, Seamus O’Sullivan, Gearóid O’Sullivan, Cormac O’Sullivan, Denis O’Dwyer(0-03, 2 frees), Donncha Fenton(0-01), Fergal Cronin, Alan O’Shea(0-01), Keith Moran(1-00).
Subs Used: Michael Curran, Stephen O’Dwyer(0-01 free), Barry O'Dwyer
Other Squad Members: Bernard Murphy, Seamus O'Shea, Garry Galvin, John D. O'Shea, John B. O'Shea, Shane Curran, Adrian Walsh, Conor Daly, Sheera O'Connell, Sean C. O'Sullivan, Denis O'Carroll

 

South Kerry Senior Championship Semi-Final 2008

Waterville 0-10 ............ Skellig Rangers 0-05

Against the odds Waterville defeated current Munster Junior Club Champions Skellig Rangers in a sporting encounter at Con Keating Park, Cahersiveen on December 20 th to reach the South Kerry Senior Championship final.
Conditions were good, considering the time of year, with a slight wind blowing across the field and both sides contributed to an entertaining game of Gaelic football.
Waterville played into the town goal in the first half and were first off the mark through Keith Moran with a fine point within thirty seconds. Four minutes later Denis O’Dwyer was fouled and Haulie Courtney converted the resultant free kick. It was the same player who again sent Waterville into a three point lead after a late tackle on Gearóid O’Sullivan. This was followed a minute later by another point from Fergal Cronin after the ball was carelessly lost by the Rangers defence. The game was nine minutes old and Waterville were four points and Rangers had yet to score.
Waterville were on top in every sector and making it pay where it really counts……on the scoreboard. Denis O’Dwyer was orchestrating matters around the midfield area and set up numerous Waterville attacks.
Rangers got their first score in the twelfth minute through a Bernard Casey free but after some tenacious work by Keith Moran, Alan O’Shea had another point for Waterville. Casey had another point for Rangers when a Waterville player was penalised for jersey tugging off the ball. Three minutes later another free was awarded for a similar offence and Casey had his fourth point.
Waterville were ahead now by the slimmest of margins having had the bulk of possession. Then we witnessed probably the point of the game from Keith Moran when he kicked a wonderful score from close to the corner flag on the dressing room side. Paul McGill had his side’s first and only point from play two minutes later with a fine left footed effort from close to the sideline on the dugouts' side. Waterville finished the stronger and points from Alan O’Shea and Gearóid O’Sullivan put Waterville three points ahead at the break. (0-08 to 0-05)
It was O’Sullivan again who extended Waterville’s advantage within a minute of the restart when he collected a pass from the ever-busy Keith Moran. The second half was closely fought with both defences holding steadfast. Rangers had a number of opportunities but couldn’t penetrate the Waterville defence. Waterville had their second point of the half through a Haulie Courtney free after a foul on Donncha Fenton in the eighteenth minute.
Waterville held out in the end for a fully deserved five point victory and go on to meet the current Munster Intermediate Champions St. Michaels/Foilmore in the final on St Stephen’s Day. This may be a bridge too far for our young side but we can be justifiably proud of them and wish them well in the final.
Our club also wishes Skellig Rangers’ Seán Courtney a speedy recovery from his injuries sustained in a recent car accident.
Team: Ciaran Dennehy, Kevin O’Dwyer, Daniel O’Dwyer, Niall Fitzgerald, Greg Gibson, Haulie Courtney(0-03), Alan O’Dwyer, Seamus O’Sullivan, Gearóid O’Sullivan(0-02), Cormac O’Sullivan, Denis O’Dwyer, Donncha Fenton, Fergal Cronin(0-01), Alan O’Shea(0-02), Keith Moran.(0-02)
Subs Used: Michael Curran, Stephen O’Dwyer

 

County League

Waterville 0-09 ........ Tarbert 0-06

In difficult comditions Waterville completed their County League campaign 2008, at home against Tarbert, The brave supporters who braved the harsh elements were treated to an entertaining encounter.
The home side had the assistance of the wind and at half time Waterville were ahead by 0-07 to Tarbert's 0-00,
The second half tested the Waterville defence but it battled resolutely to concede just six points. The midfield and forward line combined well and with a little better finishing might have won by a larger margin in the end.
In the tenth minute of added time however, Tarbert were awarded a penalty to draw the game but luckily the ball hit the left upright and went harmlessly wide.
This was a good team display but earlier losses in the league campaign were costly and have consigned the team to division three status for next year.
The team is young and we look forward to next season.

U-16 County League Div3 Final 2008
Waterville /Dromod 2-11 .......... Templenoe 0-06

The parish combination of Waterville / Dromod took on their counterparts from Templenoe in the final of Div 3 U16 County League on Wed 13th Aug 2008 at Sneem.
Waterville / Dromod keeper Jason O’Sullivan set the tone for his team in the very first minute pulling off a wonderful save when a Templenoe goal seemed certain. Templenoe pressed hard for the initial five or six minutes and it took all the might of the Waterville / Dromod defence to withstand the onslaught.
Gradually Waterville / Dromod came to terms with the pace of the game and Eoin O’Sullivan got the scoring started with a terrific point in the eight minute. That was followed within a minute by a Barry O’Dwyer free. Waterville / Dromod were by far more efficient with the ball and went on to dominate the remainder of the first half. Micheál Cronin’s tenth minute goal was a just reward for the Waterville / Dromod pressure and in the following fifteen minutes the Barry O’Dwyer / Gearóid O’Sulllivan combination in the Waterville / Dromod forward line created havoc, with O’Sullivan notching up a personal tally of five points.
Templenoe had their first point in the twentieth minute and followed immediately with another. In the final minute of the half the aforementioned Gearoid O’Sullivan set up the lively James O’Connor to finish to the Templenoe net.
At the break Waterville / Dromod had a commanding lead of 2-08 to Templenoe’s 0-03.
The second half proved to be a far more even affair with both defences in command and both sets of forwards scoring just three points each. The level of football skills from both teams was of the highest calibre but it was Waterville / Dromod who held all the aces and were comfortable winners in the end.
In defence Micheál Curran, Stephen Donnelly and Oran Mahony were steadfast along with Cathal Keating, Pádraig O’Sullivan and Oran Clifford. Christopher Farley played his captain’s part to perfection setting up numerous Waterville / Dromod attacks along with Conor Browne. Up front Eoin O’Sullivan, Micheál Cronin, James O’Connor and John Vincent O’Dwyer contributed hugely to their team’s success.
Overall this was a wonderful display of all that is good in Gaelic football and a credit to both teams and their mentors.
Panel: Jason O’Sullivan, Stephen Donnelly, Micheál Curran, Oran O’Mahony, Cathal Keating, Pádraig O’Sullivan, Oran Clifford, Christopher Farley (Capt), Conor Browne, Micheál Cronin (1-00), Gearóid O’Sullivan (0-06), Eoin O’Sullivan (0-01), John V. O’Dwyer, Barry O’Dwyer (0-04, 3 frees), James O’Connor (1-00), Joshua Thompson, Fionán Clifford, Seán O’Sullivan.

South Kerry Under 16 Championship Final 2008

Waterville 4 –07 .......... Bally / Foilmore 2-09

Waterville U-16s captured yet another South Kerry Championship title on Saturday last, 2 nd of August. The game was played in Con Keating Park Cahersiveen and the boys from Ballinskelligs and Foilmore provided the opposition.
Waterville played into the town end in the first half and were first to register on the scoreboard through the boot of the young, classy Barry O’Dwyer when converting a free. It was O’Dwyer who was to prove the main difference between these two fine teams in the final analysis. His personal score tally for the game amounted to 3-05. In the Bally/Foilmore camp Eanna O’Connor was a constant thorn in the Waterville defence and he notched up 1-08 for his side. While all players showed outstanding skill and sportsmanship, the aforementioned Barry and Eanna had that something special and we eagerly await seeing them playing on a South Kerry team together in the near future.
Indeed, it was Éanna who had his side level in the fifth minute when kicking a fine left footed shot between the posts but a minute later Barry O’Dwyer rattled the net for Waterville after collecting a well placed pass from Micheál Curran. Waterville were in the ascendancy at this early stage and Eoin O’Sullivan kicked over a fine free twelve minutes in, after a foul on Barry O’Dwyer. It was Éanna O’Connor who rescued his side with a goal from close range in the thirteenth minute.
Both defences were in command for the next ten minutes but then in the space of a few minutes we were treated to some magical finishing. After a scored free from Barry O’Dwyer, Bally/Foilmore’s Jerry Cronin made a dashing run through the middle and again netted for his side. Eanna followed with a point and immediately the lively Owen O,Sullivan collected a quick free from Barry and O’Sullivan made no mistake to raise the green flag for Waterville. The last score of the half came from Éanna O’Connor on the stroke of the half time whistle when he punched over from a difficult angle. At half time the sides were level at 2-03 apiece. The game was nicely poised and it would be a brave punter who would confidently predict the final outcome.
After the restart Eoin O’Sullivan nudged Waterville ahead within two minutes but O’Connor answered with two quick points. In the seventh and eight minute Barry and Eanna exchanged points and in the ninth minute Barry struck again after making a telling run through the middle of the Bally/Foilmore defence to again rattle the net. This gave Waterville a two point advantage but Darren O’Sullivan reduced the deficit to one point three minutes later.
For the remaining ten minutes of the game Waterville proved to be the more resilient scoring 1-02 to Bally/Foilmore’s 0-02. Micheál Curran, Cathal Keating, Conor Browne and team captain Stephen Donnelly were solid, Oran Mahony and Oran Clifford really came into their own with keeper Jason O’Sullivan finding one of his own players with every kick out. Eoin O’Sullivan and Micheál Cronin showed some tremendous skill around the mid field area while up front the O’Dwyer brothers, Barry and John Vincent combined well, with Barry giving a “Man of the Match” performance. James O’Connor when introduced also contributed hugely to his team’s success.
Waterville Panel: Jason O’Sullivan, Oran O’Mahony, Stephen Donnelly(Capt), Micheal Curran, Cathal Keating, Oran Clifford, Conor Browne, Eoin O’Sullivan(1-02), Micheál Cronin, Barry O’Dwyer(3-05), John Vincent O’Dwyer, James O’Connor, Joshua Thompson, Fionan Clifford.

Waterville 0-09 ....Beale 0-11

After making the long trek southward Beale bagged the spoils at Waterville on Saturday 26 th July.
Beale were first to open their account when centre forward Ogie Horgan kicked over a forty five in the fifth minute. As things turned out later this player was to be the main reason for his side’s victory. Waterville were playing into the slight breeze and were on level terms five minutes later when Donncha Fenton kicked over from the left corner after some good interplay involving Denis O’Dwyer and Michael Curran.
Ogie Horgan was just wide with a free in the sixteenth minute and within seconds Patrick Curran sent Waterville into the lead through a fine left footed effort. From the kick out Waterville again gained possession and full forward Alan O’Shea extended their lead. A minute later Ian Blake for Beale fired over an excellent point from forty metres but again Alan O’Shea responded to leave Waterville leading by two points.
Beale however had the better of the remainder of the half and drew level through the boots of Jeremy King and Maurice O’Connor.
Seán Dee was Beale’s hero in the first ten seconds of the second half when making a reflex save to deny Waterville what seemed a certain goal. Jeremy King for Beale ran unchallenged through the heart of the Waterville defence in the second minute and again Beale were in front. Midfielder Maurice O’Connor extended the lead almost immediately but Waterville’s Patrick Curran collected a quick free from Haulie Courtney and reduced the deficit to the minimum. Stephen O’Dwyer had the sides level in the ninth minute after his initial free came back off the upright and he again gained possession.
Beale were in control from then on and went on to score three points without reply. King, O’Connor and Horgan were orchestrating most of the play but Waterville upped their game and points from Denis O’Dwyer and a free from Donncha Fenton reduced the margin to a single point again.
With just five minutes left in the game disaster struck for Waterville and in particular Patrick Curran when suffering a serious knee injury which required the attendance of the ambulance service. We wish Patrick a speedy recovery.
The game was delayed for forty minutes approximately and on the resumption it was Beale who adapted the better and scored a further two points to Waterville’s one and so ensure victory.
Waterville Team- Ciarán Dennehy, Daniel O Dwyer, Gary Galvin, Niall Fitzgerald, Haulie Courtney, Seamus O Shea,., Alan Dwyer, Micheal Curran, Seamus O’Sullivan, , Keith Moran, Denis O Dwyer(0-01), Patrick Curran(0-02), Stephen O Dwyer(0-01), Alan O Shea(0-02), Donncha Fenton(0-02, 1 free).

Subs Used: Fergal Cronin, John D O’Shea & Cormac O’Sullivan(0-01)

 

South Kerry League Final

Waterville 2- 05 ........ St Michaels / Foilmore 0-11

Bank holiday weekend saw the clash of Waterville and St Michaels / Foilmore in the final of this year’s South Kerry League Final. Waterville had home advantage but would face the might of St Michaels / Foilmore who are riding high in division one of the County League.
Conditions were Mediterranean like but for a slight breeze that wafted from the Atlantic and Waterville faced this in the first half. It was St Michaels / Foilmore who opened the scoring through the classy Bernard Kelly in the first minute. Waterville were back on level terms almost immediately when Stephen O’Dwyer converted a free after a foul on Patrick Curran.
Every ball was contested vigorously and the game provided high entertainment value for the spectators right from the beginning. Waterville took the lead in the seventh minute through another Stephen O’Dwyer free but St Michaels / Foilmore were level again when Bernard Kelly picked off a point from close range. In the fourteenth minute a long ball from defender Michael Curran was deflected by a St Michaels / Foilmore player into the path of Patrick Curran who made no mistake and rattled the net and sent Waterville into a three point lead.
Ronan O’Connor reduced the deficit immediately but it was the St Michaels / Foilmore keeper Galvin who was his side’s hero two minutes later when he pulled off a terrific save from the left boot of Denis O’Dwyer. Ronan O’Connor pointed another free in the twenty second minute and on the stroke of half time James O’Shea had the sides level at Waterville 1-02 to St Michaels / Foilmore 0-05.
The second half opened in electrifying fashion when the lively Fergal Cronin fired a bullet like shot to the St Michaels / Foilmore net after some skilful interplay involving Patrick Curran and Denis O’Dwyer. Were we in for an upset and would St Michaels / Foilmore suffer an unexpected defeat? Experience paid dividends for the division one side. They gradually picked off points and began to pick up most breaks around the middle of the field.
By the fourteenth minute St Michaels / Foilmore had gone into a three point lead and looked like they would run out easy winners but the Waterville defence upped their game and some shrewd moves by the selection committee worked well. St Michaels / Foilmore didn’t score for the remaining quarter while Waterville picked off three further points and might have snatched victory in the final seconds. It ended all square and we eagerly look forward to the replay. Kevin O’Dwyer was outstanding in defence and was most people’s choice as “Man of the Match”

County League

Waterville 0-14 ........ Annascaul 1- 10

Round five of the County League took place on Saturday 10th of May at Waterville Sportsfield in ideal weather conditions with the home team just grabbing the spoils in the final moments of the game.
It was difficult to separate these two sides who were both missing a number of key players. Waterville opened the scoring with some excellent scores kicked by their county U-21 player Patrick Curran. However, an excellent opportunist goal by Johnny Driscoll of Annascaul swung the advantage their way. Waterville fought back and an excellent score from Fergal Cronin just on the stroke of half time levelled matters with the score board reading Waterville 0-9 Annascaul 1-6. The second half continued to be a tight affair with the scores level with just ten minutes left.
Waterville's Gearoid O Sullivan kicked three excellent points from more than forty metres. This time it was Annascaul who fought back with some excellent scores to again level matters as the game entered the closing stages despite this Waterville continued to press and their persistence paid off when they were awarded a penalty in the dying minutes. Waterville opted to put the ball over the bar which gave them full points from this close encounter on a scoreline of Waterville 0-14 Annascaul 1-10.

Team- Ciarán Dennehy, Kevin O Dwyer, Seamus O Shea, Haulie Courtney, Micheal Curran. Gary Galvin, Alan Dwyer, Gearoid O Sullivan, Dennis O Dwyer, Keith Moran, Dennis Donnelly, Alan O Shea, Stephen O Dwyer, Patrick Curran and Fergal Cronin. Donnacha Fenton

County League

Glenflesk 2-15 .......... 1-07 Waterville

Round four of the County League 2008 between Waterville and Glenflesk will certainly not go down as a classic. After some recent good performances Waterville were on the receiving end of a clinical performance by Glenflesk who had the luxury of a home venue.
The writing was on the wall early on when Glenflesk had the ball in the net within two minutes through corner forward James O’Sullivan, though the referee had blown the whistle for a foul but opted to allow the score. Glenflesk were on top in most sectors and the Waterville defence were under continuous siege. By the seventh minute Glenflesk had scored 1-02 with the visitors yet to register. Denis O’Dwyer went close in the eight minute but his shot went agonisingly wide of the right upright. Stephen O’Dwyer finally got Waterville’s first point in the tenth minute after Greg Gibson, who was making his senior debut, affected a brave block down. Glenflesk kicked some excellent scores and gradually Waterville began to pick off a few points. However, Evan Horan and James O’Sullivan in the Glenflesk forward line were posing all sorts of problems for the Waterville defence and by the break Waterville trailed on the score line of 1-08 to 0-06.

Within seconds of the restart Shane Dennehy had another point for Glenflesk and they added two more in the following five minutes courtesy of Mike Shea and again Shane Dennehy. This was a game that was slipping away rapidly from Waterville but they were thrown a life line when awarded a penalty. The man in the middle however changed this to a throw up ball after an unwelcome comment by a Waterville player. Things went from bad to worse from then on though Denis O’Dwyer did score a goal close to full time.
There can be no excuses however. Glenflesk were far superior on this occasion and fully deserved their victory.

Team: Ciarán Dennehy, Kevin O'Dwyer, Seamus O’Shea, Alan O'Dwyer, Daniel O'Dwyer, Gary Galvin, Haulie Courtney, Gearoid O’Sullivan, Michael Curran, Cormac O’Sullivan, Denis O’Dwyer (1-01), Greg Gibson, Stephen O’Dwyer (0-02, 1 free) Patrick Curran (0-03, 2 frees), Fergal Cronin (0-01).
Subs Used: Keith Moran, Martin O'Shea, Denis O'Carroll

South Kerry League Semi Final

Waterville 3 - 11 ....... 1- 06 Valentia

Waterville earned the right to contest the this year’s South Kerry League Final when defeating Valentia Young Islanders at Con Keating Park on Sunday 13 th of April. The game was played in glorious sunshine and underfoot conditions were excellent.
Waterville had wind advantage and played towards the Fertha goal in the first half but it was the boot of Junior Murphy that opened the scoring for Valentia in the third minute, from a tight angle in the left corner. Waterville were back on level terms within five minutes when Denis O’Dwyer converted a free after a foul on Gary Galvin who had made a run through from the centre back position. Two minutes later young Stephen O’Dwyer had his first score of the game when he pointed a free after a foul on himself and two minutes later it was O’Dwyer again who extended Waterville’s lead with another free from a distance of thirty metres. In the sixteenth minute Fergal Cronin won good possession and found Haulie Courtney coming through from defence. Courtney looked up and without delay kicked sweetly between the posts. Waterville were now in top flight and a minute later a long hopeful ball by Alan O’Shea from the right corner was broken by Denis O’Dwyer to midfielder Mike Curran who finished to the Valentia net. In spite of making a number of basic errors Waterville’s defence held tight until the eighteenth minute when a miskick by a defender allowed Valentia’s Junior Murphy gain possession and fire over his side’s second point. Alan O’Shea added to his sides tally with another point three minutes later.
Waterville had now opened up a six point gap and looked comfortable but close in free for Valentia was leg blocked and a penalty was awarded which John Shanahan converted.
Waterville played second fiddle for the remainder of the half ad were fortunate not to concede any score. At the break three points separated the sides but Waterville would face the stiff breeze in the second half.
Fergal Cronin was unlucky in the first minute after the restart when his shot for goal was saved by the Valentia keeper. In the fourth minute Waterville were awarded a free after a foul pick up by a Valentia defender. Stephen O’Dwyer stepped up and kicked his third point of the game. (What a prospect for the future!. He scored 1-05 in the course of the game) In the fifth minute good interplay involving Gearoid and Cormac O’Sullivan saw the ball come to the alert Alan O’Dwyer who rattled the net from twenty metres.
Waterville took control and added two more points by the eleventh minute. Valentia did answer with two of their own but again Waterville upped the pace and when the O'Dwyer boys combined and Stephen finished to the net the game was in truth over.
Overall it was another encouraging display and it is wonderful to see our younger players stepping up to senior level with ease.
The men from Ballinskellig and Foilmore are the opponents in the final. They will provide formidable opposition and are flying high in division one of the County League at the moment.

Team: Ciarán Dennehy, Kevin O'Dwyer, Seamus O’Shea, Mike O'Shea, Alan O'Dwyer(1-00), Gary Galvin, Haulie Courtney (0-01), Gearoid O’Sullivan, Michael Curran (1-00), Cormac O’Sullivan, Denis O’Dwyer (0-02, 1 free), Daniel O'Dwyer(0-01), Stephen O’Dwyer (1-05, 3 free) Alan O'Shea(0-01), Fergal Cronin.
Subs Used: John B O'Shea, Greg Gibson, Adrian Walsh, Martin O'Shea (0-01), Denis O'Carroll

County League

Sneem 1-02 ..... 0-15 Waterville

Waterville travelled to Sneem on Sunday 6 th April to take on the locals in round three of this year’s county league. Having just one point from the two previous outings this was an important game for team morale and their ambitions to retain division two status next season.
Sneem were first off the mark with a free from the boot of Ronan Hussey and in the early stages of the game caused some problems for the visitors. Waterville had the considerable wind assistance and finally notched up a point from a free via Patrick Curran. This was followed by an outstanding point from wing back Haulie Courtney who burst through the centre and fired over with style and conviction. This was the impetus that lifted Waterville. However, within minutes Sneem were awarded a penalty, which was converted by sharp shooter Ronan Hussey. This was as good as it got for Sneem and Waterville took over in most sectors of the pitch. In the remaining eight minutes of the half Waterville scored seven unanswered points to lead by 0-09 to 1-01 at half time.
Waterville faced the stiff, chilly breeze in the second half and this would require a change of tactics. The wind was going to prove a difficulty but the boys in red and white dealt superbly with the challenge. The defence was solid and the attack carried the game to Sneem with some excellent combination football. The midfield pairing of Gearoid O’Sullivan and Michael Curran worked well with both players getting on the score sheet. Waterville went on to add six more points to their first half tally while the locals were limited to two.
A return of fifteen points is good shooting any day and we look forward to many other performances like this.
Team: Ciarán Dennehy, Alan O'Dwyer, Seamus O’Shea, Mike O'Shea, Haulie Courtney (0-02), Gary Galvin, Kevin O'Dwyer, Gearoid O’Sullivan (0-01), Michael Curran (0-01), Cormac O’Sullivan, Denis O’Dwyer (0-01), Donncha Fenton, Stephen O’Dwyer (0-04, 1 free, 1 "45") Patrick Curran(0- 4 frees), Fergal Cronin (0-02).

 

County League

Waterville 0-09 ..... Dingle 1-09

Waterville had home advantage for their second outing in this year’s county league series but opted to play the game in Cahersiveen due to ongoing field improvements.
Waterville played into the Fertha goal in the first half but it was Dingle who scored first through the boot of Dave Geaney. Waterville didn’t take long to reply when John D O’Shea converted a free after a foul on Cormac O’Sullivan.
In spite of fielding without some regulars Waterville were playing well but again it was Dingle who scored through Aidan O’Neill with a fine point from the right side. Waterville again replied through midfielder Gearoid O’Sullivan who kicked an outstanding point. Three minutes later the seasoned John D. found young Stephen O’Dwyer in space near the corner. O’Dwyer coolly slotted the ball between the posts to send Waterville into the lead for the first time.
Waterville added another three points in the space of seven minutes and held on to a four point lead going into the break. The defence was playing well even though Dingle missed a few simple scoring opportunities. Gearoid O’Sullivan and Denis Donnelly were doing well in midfield and the forward line took their opportunities though at least one goal might have been scored.
Within two minutes of the restart Dingle had reduced the deficit by two points but Waterville’s Stephen O’Dwyer added to his tally with a fine point in the third minute. By the eight minute Dingle were within one point but Waterville continued to defend tenaciously and increased the lead to two points again when John D. converted a free after a Dingle player was adjudged to have picked the ball off the ground. Donncha Fenton popped over a point a minute later and Waterville looked reasonably composed. The margin was three points but the remaining minutes were to prove costly for Waterville. Dingle pulled a point back in the twentieth minute and we had to wait another eight minutes for the next score.
Both defences worked hard and with four minutes left in the game Denis O’Dwyer had to leave the field through injury. This had a negative effect on Waterville’s momentum. Dingle defender Matthew Guihin latched on to the ball and finished to the net to send Dingle into a one point lead.
Waterville tried valiantly to retrieve the situation but it was Dingle who added two more points before the end.
This was a game Waterville might have won but lapse of concentration towards the end proved costly.
Team: Ciarán Dennehy, Kevin O’Dwyer, Seamus O’Shea, Alan O’Dwyer, Haulie Courtney, Mike Curran, Gary Galvin, Gearoid O’Sullivan (0-01), Denis Donnelly, Cormac O’Sullivan, Denis O’Dwyer, Donncha Fenton (0-01), Stephen O’Dwyer (0-04, 1 free, 1 "45") John D. O’Shea (0-3, 2 frees), Fergal Cronin.
Sub Used: John B. O’Shea

County League

Finuge 1-07 ......0-10 Waterville

The senior team made the long journey to Finuge on Sunday to take on the locals in the first round of this year's county league.
While the day was dry, a bitter breeze reminded the few travelling supporters that it was still March. A good start is always welcome and it was Waterville who first raised the white flag through the boot of John D O'Shea with a free, after a foul on Alan O'Shea. It was O'Shea again who was fouled again three minutes later and Denis Donnelly pointed the resultant free from an extremely acute angle.
Finuge began to get to grips with the game and had their first score after six minutes and levelled in the thirteenth minute. In the meanwhile Waterville had lost their influential midfielder Seamus O'Sullivan through an arm injury but nevertheless the team rallied and again took the lead through centre forward Denis Donnelly. Two minutes later Finuge were level again and play went from end to end with both sides having reasonable scoring opportunities.
It was however, Waterville who edged in front again with a point from Donncha Fenton but the lead was short lived and Finuge had the ball in the net two minutes later and followed up with an excellent point. In the remaining five minutes of the half Waterville had the better of affairs and reduced Finuge's lead to a single point with points from John D and Alan O'Shea.
John D O'Shea had Waterville level within the first minute of the second half but Finuge were back in front within a few minutes. Scores became very difficult to get but Waterville's Haulie Courtney was called up to take a free from the right hand side and again the sides were level. Then Finuge went into a two point lead and it seemed the long journey would bear no fruit. Persistence paid off however and Cormac O'Sullivan reduced the margin to a single point with two minutes left in normal time. Waterville continued to press forward and on the stroke of full time centre back Michael Curran lofted a huge kick which wobbled and waivered but eventually sailed between the posts. That's the way the score stayed and both sides collected a share of the spoils.
The second half turned out to be a less than attractive affair with some tackles pushing the boundaries to the limit and three players were sent for early showers. Some observers might say "Too little too late".